Title: 'First Impressions'
Author: Anarane Narmolanya
Type: FCS
Genre: Romance, Adventure, some angst
Characters: Haldir/ OFC, Galadriel, Celeborn, OC's
Rating: Eventually NC-17
Disclaimer: I hereby quote that I Anarane Narmolanya receive no profit for publishing LOTR Fan fiction. I do not own the characters except for Brynwyn, but I don't make a profit.

Summary: Brynwyn, daughter of the chief advisor of Mirkwood, is sent to Treetown (a human town) from Lothlorien on the matter of gaining diplomatic experience. As such, Haldir is appointed as her guardian. But before the journey has even begun, they fall into each other's bad graces. Will they survive the trip and each other? Or succumb to hatred and disdain. Please heed the M warning.

~~~ Chapter 8 ~~~

The Day After

Brynwyn sighed as she pulled herself from the door and began to remove her clothing. She had never met anyone as complicated as the Marchwarden. She slipped into her soft, silk nightdress before running a brush through her long her. She was tired of overanalysing their situation and the Marchwarden's actions and words. It seemed she would never understand him.

Brynwyn took a deep breath as she slipped beneath the covers and burrowed into the pillows. Maybe tomorrow would provide a clearer day. With that thought the beautiful elleth slipped into peaceful reverie.

~~~ The next morning ~~~

Brynwyn was securing her hair into a tight braid when the door opened and Haldir strode in, his chin raised proudly.

"Haldir!" she exclaimed.

"What is it?" The warden asked, looking her over impassively.

"You cannot just stroll into an elleth's chambers unannounced! It is improper and rude. I could have been unclothed!" she cried as he strolled over to the window, peeking between the curtains.

"You have nothing I have not seen before," he waved his hand dismissively before turning to her with a smug smirk. "But then I have seen what you have before." Brynwyn flushed and scowled at the warden as she finished her braid. Haldir stepped close to her. "And I know you have seen what I have to offer, so what need is there for modesty?"

Brynwyn pushed past the chuckling warrior and stepped into the hall. "Well?" she exclaimed as the warden simply observed her. Haldir stepped out of her chamber and held out his arm gallantly. "I would prefer not to touch you until I have to," she fairly growled before walking ahead. Brynwyn gasped as a powerful hand locked around her arm and spun her around.

"It is all well playing games, my Lady, but forget not that I am your guardian. That I am leader of this mission, outside of those rooms the games are over and you will walk at my side if I have to rope you," he fairly growled.

Startled and angered, Brynwyn struggled. "I see you have reverted back to your old self then. I knew it was too good to be true," she snapped.

"I never changed sweetling. Now come, we have much to do." Haldir pressed her hand against his arm and began to walk towards the bustling dining room.

"I despise you," she sneered as they entered the great hall and made their way towards head table. To their surprise, King Carin and Lord Hildan were not present at table.

"Welcome my Lord, my Lady," Queen Tiwen crooned as she rose to her feet, waving to the others who rose with respect. "King Carin is unable to join us at table this morning, but he requests you visit with him in his office once you are finished."

"Is something wrong, my Lady?" Brynwyn asked as they sat and helped themselves to the fresh fruit and warm bread.

"Nay, my King has council of a Tuesday, so he rises early."

The elves accepted this explanation and watched the interaction between the twins and the others at table.

"Does something amuse you, Marchwarden?" Tiwen asked, seeing a slight smirk upon the warrior's beautiful face. Haldir's smile faded, but Brynwyn had seen enough.

"I have two younger brothers at home; your children's antics remind me of them."

Tiwen smiled and Brynwyn regarded the warrior with surprise. The Marchwarden's confession was more surprising than anything he had done so far.

"Are they younglings?" Tiwen asked with interest.

"Some would say so, elves mature much more slowly than humans. My brothers are warriors, aye, but maturity is a foreign word to them." The note of affection was not missed and Brynwyn could not help but smile.

"Younger siblings, eh?" Tiwen asked.

Haldir nodded.

"Do you have any siblings, Lady Brynwyn?" the Queen asked. Haldir turned to observe her whilst eating slices of apple.

"Nay, my Lady, I am an only child."

"Ah, you must be spoiled then," Tiwen chuckled.

"Indeed," Haldir grumbled.

Brynwyn's elven hearing caught the whispered insult and she cast a glare at the warrior.

It was not long before the bell chimed, signalling the end of the morning meal. Queen Tiwen rose and the others at table joined her. "I bid you farewell until this evening, my Lord, my Lady."

"Farewell" they answered.

Haldir looked at the stunning elleth at his side. "Shall we, my Lady?" he asked politely. Resisting the urge to kick him beneath the table, Brynwyn nodded and accepted his arm. Once outside the hall Brynwyn discreetly elbowed the warden in his side.

"Enough of your sharp digs, warden," she ordered.

Haldir looked at her with wide eyed innocence. "What?"

Brynwyn looked at him disapprovingly.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, until Haldir spoke; "You must admit the hospitality here is horrific. No servant to escort us, no servant to wake us. Humans," he grumbled.

Brynwyn found some amusement from the situation. "Do you not like it here?"

"No," the warden grunted in reply.

"Good." Brynwyn pulled away from him, her chin held high as they reached the hall leading to the king's study.

As they rounded the corner, Carin stepped from his office, a sheaf of papers in his hands as a scribe trotted beside him.

"King Carin!" Haldir called.

The humans looked up sharply and Carin smiled at his guests. "Ah good morning, my friends, I trust you slept and ate well?"

"Indeed, my Lord," Brynwyn said with a soft smile as they began to walk through the halls. "Queen Tiwen informed us that you have meetings this morning?"

"Aye, we will discuss your trade amongst the council meeting this morning. Would you care to return in a few hours?" King Carin offered gently.

Brynwyn smiled at the King. "Yes, I think a trip around the market would be enjoyable in that time. What do you say, Haldir?" She smiled sweetly at her guardian.

Haldir refrained from growling as he looked at the sneaky elleth at his side; he raised his head and nodded to the king. "Aye, it would."

Carin inclined his head before entering the large, noisy chambers. The door closed and Haldir glared at Brynwyn.

"Oh do not be a bad sport, Marchwarden, come... I wish to see the market."

Ignorant of his ire, Brynwyn practically skipped down the hall towards the great doors. With a low growl the Marchwarden followed her towards the stables.

TBC

Name: Meaning: Pronunciation

Brynwyn: -: (Brin-win)